Damn you, mold and dry rot! Happy Sunday, everyone.
Showing posts with label Funny/Humor. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Funny/Humor. Show all posts
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Is That A Load-Bearing Cat?
This made me LOL out loud (or "LOLOL" for short)...
Damn you, mold and dry rot! Happy Sunday, everyone.
Damn you, mold and dry rot! Happy Sunday, everyone.
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Catching Up With Mike Holmes
First of all, a very happy Canada Day to Mike Holmes and all of my Canadian friends!
I found this short interview/article on the New York Times website. I really enjoyed it! Most interviews with Mike are pretty standard, and they all kind of revolve around the same information, but this one had a slightly personal slant, with lots of little useless factoids for fans to gobble up. Being the self-proclaimed Holmes queen that I am, most of this stuff is old news to me, but some of it I'd never heard before. Like, 'ello, 'ello... Mike Holmes was a D.J.??? Ex-queeze me, when was this? My curiosity is killing me! As far as Mike being a great dancer, that is something I'm dying to see. I've heard him talk about "shaking his pants" before, but I'm a wee bit suspicious. Perhaps some proof, Mike? An online video of you doing the Macarena or shaking your groove thing? We're waiting with anticipation... :) Now, I'm going to go enjoy some fireworks and make myself a Holmes-tini in honor of Canada Day and The Fourth of July. Cheers!
I found this short interview/article on the New York Times website. I really enjoyed it! Most interviews with Mike are pretty standard, and they all kind of revolve around the same information, but this one had a slightly personal slant, with lots of little useless factoids for fans to gobble up. Being the self-proclaimed Holmes queen that I am, most of this stuff is old news to me, but some of it I'd never heard before. Like, 'ello, 'ello... Mike Holmes was a D.J.??? Ex-queeze me, when was this? My curiosity is killing me! As far as Mike being a great dancer, that is something I'm dying to see. I've heard him talk about "shaking his pants" before, but I'm a wee bit suspicious. Perhaps some proof, Mike? An online video of you doing the Macarena or shaking your groove thing? We're waiting with anticipation... :) Now, I'm going to go enjoy some fireworks and make myself a Holmes-tini in honor of Canada Day and The Fourth of July. Cheers!
Catching Up With Mike Holmes
By KATE MURPHY
Published: June 30, 2012
Mike Holmes is a Canadian building contractor and host of the television show Holmes on Homes, which airs on HGTV.
The Holmes Group
READING I love to read but don’t have much time to read books — some of my favorite books are by Dean Koontz — but what I am reading right now are architectural drawings for projects we’re doing, like the castle to replace the one that burned down in the playground at Toronto’s High Park a few months ago. We went to the community and had meetings and talked to the kids. We offered to make it bigger, and there’s going to be a drawbridge. The kids said they wanted more slides, so there will be more slides. The fun part was working with the kids.
LISTENING I probably listen to more reggae music than the average person — Beres Hammond and Freddie McGregor, artists like that. I love to dance so I like dance music — not the Bee Gees, but really good dance music like Next’s “Too Close” — music that makes you want to get up and move. I used to be a D.J. so I’m into stereos and dancing. It stems from my mom’s family — they’re all really good dancers. Um, yeah, people would say I know how to move.
WATCHING The television show “Touch” with Kiefer Sutherland. It’s in the realm of real, and very well-produced. It makes you pay attention and stay interested because you really want to find out who the kid is saving through his father.
FOLLOWING WorldSkills is like the Olympics except for skilled trades. Every two years, electricians, plumbers, carpenters, gas fitters, hairdressers and food servers from around the world compete for the gold medal in their category. For carpenters, they may have to build and do all the calculations for a great outdoor shed. A gas fitter may have to do a labyrinth piping system. An electrician may have to put together an alarm system. And they have a time limit to do it to perfection. It is so inspiring. It should be televised, but you can watch past competitions on the Web site.
WEARING I love watches and I have a lot of them, especially the big ones like my U-Boat and Nixon. It’s a bit of a passion of mine. Like women and shoes, I’m the watch guy.
DRINKING I’ve never really liked martinis so it became a personal challenge to come up with a mix that I would like. I came up with the Holmes-tini: 1 ounce vodka, 1 ounce coconut rum, 1 ounce peach schnapps, 1 ounce pineapple juice. I’ve ordered it at bars right across Canada, never mind the United States, and I’ve had so many restaurants ask me if they can put it on the menu. I said go ahead. You’ve got to try it, you’ll like it.
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Your Daily Dose of Mike Holmes
(I’m back from my wonderful vacation. This weekend, my
husband and I went to New Mexico to see an independent film, circled through
Navajo country, visited Four Corners, drove over the Hoover Dam, got our kicks
on Route 66, and pretty much explored everything the Southwestern United States
has to offer – or at least explored everything we could in two short days. But
now I’m home and sitting in front of my computer and ready to get back to “business.”)
As we were driving, my husband and I were joking about this
blog, and what I’d decided to call it: The
Holmes Spot: Your Daily Dose of Mike Holmes. Just for fun, we decided to
come up with some alternative sub-titles that could describe the blog well.
Very alternative. Here’s what we came up with. Feel free to add your own.
The Holmes Spot: We
Stalk Mike Holmes So You Don’t Have To
The Holmes Spot: This Blog Has Nothing To Do With American Football
The Holmes Spot: The Contractor, Not The Detective
The Holmes Spot: A Place For Women Who Think Mike Holmes Is
More Attractive Than Brad Pitt
The Holmes Spot: No Restraining Orders As Of Yet (Cross Your
Fingers)
The Holmes Spot: Mike, Not Katie, Sherlock, or John
The Holmes Spot: Watch For Falling Hammers… Ouch!!!
The Holmes Spot: Blog It Right
The Holmes Spot: We Brake For Contractors
The Holmes Spot: Overalls Optional (But Preferred)
The Holmes Spot: Bringing the Internet Up To Code
The Holmes Spot: Homes on Holmes… Splat!
And last, but not least…
The Holmes Spot: Rock
Out With Your Caulk Out
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Mike Holmes Looks Like...?
Ya'ever notice Mike Holmes kinda looks like Cotton from King of the Hill?
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Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Mike Holmes Tattoo Watch 2012 - FINAL UPDATE :(
Mike lied... although previously stating he would not unveil his new ink until September, the cat is now officially out of the bag! I guess our Holmes Spot Tattoo Watch 2012 was just too much pressure on him, and he had no choice but to release these pics [/sarcasm]. Honestly, I don't even wish for that kind of influence, but one thing is certain, the tats are BIG, and very elaborate. Mike posted these pictures on his website, yesterday.
As the above photos show, his right bicep sports a large English bulldog with big muscular folded arms and the all-too-familiar overalls. Underneath the bulldog (an homage to his previous tattoo, no doubt) is his slogan and trademark, Make It Right, which was added to his arm back in 2006 above the original bulldog, now covered. And finally, beneath the motto is a saw and hammer displayed in a crisscross fashion much like a skull and crossbones. Mike's enormous tattoo is framed by a large brick wall.
On his left bicep is a large and very ornate viking figure, on bended knee. The viking has long braids, big bulging muscles, and is armed with a sword across his back. (Is Mike Nordic? I thought he was Scottish. Hmmmm?)
This ends what could have been a fun and productive summer of trying to find elusive photos of Mike's new tattoos. Booo!!! The Holmes Spot officially grants you permission to go sleeveless once again, Mike. By the looks of it, you've earned it.
As the above photos show, his right bicep sports a large English bulldog with big muscular folded arms and the all-too-familiar overalls. Underneath the bulldog (an homage to his previous tattoo, no doubt) is his slogan and trademark, Make It Right, which was added to his arm back in 2006 above the original bulldog, now covered. And finally, beneath the motto is a saw and hammer displayed in a crisscross fashion much like a skull and crossbones. Mike's enormous tattoo is framed by a large brick wall.
On his left bicep is a large and very ornate viking figure, on bended knee. The viking has long braids, big bulging muscles, and is armed with a sword across his back. (Is Mike Nordic? I thought he was Scottish. Hmmmm?)
This ends what could have been a fun and productive summer of trying to find elusive photos of Mike's new tattoos. Booo!!! The Holmes Spot officially grants you permission to go sleeveless once again, Mike. By the looks of it, you've earned it.
Mike Holmes Tattoo Watch 2012 - UPDATE
This is the first of what will undoubtedly be many updates in the Holmes Spot's Mike Holmes Tattoo Watch 2012. Mike has stated that his new ink will not be revealed until September, and as we get into the summer months, those long sleeves have gotta go! We expect peek-a-boos like crazy, and we fully intend to play tabloid and post any of the "scandalous" photos we find. Earlier this month, Canada.com published a nice clear photo of the lower portion of Mike's new tattoo on his right bicep. Today, Mike released a video where his RIDICULOUSLY HUGE ink was quite visible, but obstructed by the dim lighting. We're like children waiting outside with binoculars for Santa Clause on Christmas Eve! So exciting!!!
Better keep those bad boys covered Mike... we're watching ;-)
Refer to our previous Holmes Spot blog entry:
Mike Holmes Tattoo Watch 2012
6/5/12 UPDATE - Mike Holmes revealed his tattoos early.
Better keep those bad boys covered Mike... we're watching ;-)
Refer to our previous Holmes Spot blog entry:
Mike Holmes Tattoo Watch 2012
6/5/12 UPDATE - Mike Holmes revealed his tattoos early.
Friday, June 1, 2012
Canada's Most Trusted Peeps Fight For Cleaner, Greener Energy
Forgive me for being terribly American (or Amercian -- LOL, inside American joke. Google it if you don't understand), but until Mike Holmes became a blip on my radar, I'd never heard of David Suzuki. Apparently, he and Mike Holmes are #1 and #2 respectively on a 2010 Reader's Digest poll of the top ten most trusted Canadians. So, what do you get when you take a couple of Canada's crown jewels and stick them on top of a roof with TV personality Rick Mercer? Why, you get a bowl full of awesome! In this article from David Suzuki's website, you get his and Mike's perspective on the controversial Green Energy Act, which has been heavily debated over in Ontario.
For more information, you can refer to previous Holmes Spot blog article "Mike Holmes' Push For Solar Energy."
Watch Canada's "most trusted" people get up on a roof to install a solar panel.
By Mike Holmes and Dr. David Suzuki
Over the past few weeks, Ontario politicians have engaged in heated debate about the province's much lauded and much criticized Green Energy Act. Some say it is the backbone of the province's promising green technology sector; others want to put a stake through its heart. Regardless of your political stripes, everyone agrees; the stakes are high.
So what is really happening in Ontario? Simply put, a lot. If you want to learn more, please read below. If you would rather spend the next few minutes watching a couple of Canada's "most trusted" people get up on a roof to install a solar panel, check this serious bit of journalism from the Rick Mercer Report.
The Province of Ontario is two years along a brave new path that is expected to bring future prosperity and cleaner energy to Ontario communities. It has done this by encouraging the private sector to invest in local power projects and companies that make the thousands of components that are required to make windmills whir and solar panels purr. At the same time, the province has begun promoting energy conservation and making huge investments in our energy infrastructure — measures that will reduce energy consumption and save taxpayers money in the long run.
Sign up for our newsletter
While parties scramble to convince voters that their plans to power the province into the future is the best, we feel we should take a moment to first look at the past to gain some perspective and insight into how to move forward.
More than one hundred years ago, Ontario Premier James Whitney was in hot water over his proposal to tap the power of Niagara Falls by building a hydroelectric generating station. His opponents said it would likely bankrupt the province. Instead, this source of green renewable power has helped fuel Ontario's economic engine ever since. Ontario now gets over 20 per cent of its electricity from renewable hydroelectric generation, thanks in large part to the foresight of Whitney and our great grandparents.
Germany embarked on its green energy strategy more than ten years ago. Since then the country has become a clean technology powerhouse, creating more than 370,000 fulltime jobs and tripling their production of clean energy — now 17% of their total power supply. This is something we can do in Ontario. We can all benefit the same way—or even more so—if we continue down the path we've begun.
Ontario passed its own Green Energy Act in 2009. Modelled on the German laws, this legislation has kick-started Ontario's green energy sector by encouraging investment by hundreds of companies, farmers, community groups and residents throughout the province. In only two years it is has spurred the private sector to invest billions of dollars in dozens of new factories and power projects and has created thousands of direct and indirect jobs, with tens of thousands more expected in the coming years.
These newly created jobs include skilled trades workers manufacturing components for solar panels and turbines, contractors installing them, and the engineers and entrepreneurs that dream them up. Good-paying, full-time positions. We aren't talking temporary or part-time jobs in the service sector.
And for many youth, these are the jobs of the future. This is why more than three-dozen green technology programs have been created at Ontario colleges and universities. They will be retooling students and professionals to meet the demands of this emerging new sector of Ontario's economy—part of the global trillion-dollar clean technology sector that has blossomed worldwide.
While job creation numbers can often seem a bit suspect, especially around election time, the progress on the ground has been remarkable. Ontario is now home to some of the most exciting green energy projects on the planet, including the world's largest solar photovoltaic power plant in the world, in Sarnia. Countless farmers, community groups and entrepreneurial residents have also been getting some of the action with small installations that will provide them a second source of income for the next couple of decades. This will help support a sustainable economic and environmental future.
While this progress is impressive, candidates and parties intent on killing the program are now threatening the entire enterprise. They raise the spectre of rising energy prices without acknowledging that investments in green energy represent less than one per cent of the total price householders pay for energy.
This province has a history of leadership in manufacturing and growth. This is the sort of foresight that has made Ontario great. Treading into new territory undoubtedly will lead to a few potholes on the path. However, we believe Ontario is on the right track towards a green energy future that will wean us from dirty, old fuel sources and bring us closer to a brighter, cleaner, healthier future — and fuel Ontario's economic engine into the 21st century.
David Suzuki and Mike Holmes are two of Canada's most trusted and recognized personalities and were recently seen on a roof installing solar panels. For more information, please visit davidsuzuki.org and makeitright.ca.
-
For more information, you can refer to previous Holmes Spot blog article "Mike Holmes' Push For Solar Energy."
Get the goods on growing green energy in Ontario
October 3, 2011
Watch Canada's "most trusted" people get up on a roof to install a solar panel.
By Mike Holmes and Dr. David Suzuki
Over the past few weeks, Ontario politicians have engaged in heated debate about the province's much lauded and much criticized Green Energy Act. Some say it is the backbone of the province's promising green technology sector; others want to put a stake through its heart. Regardless of your political stripes, everyone agrees; the stakes are high.
So what is really happening in Ontario? Simply put, a lot. If you want to learn more, please read below. If you would rather spend the next few minutes watching a couple of Canada's "most trusted" people get up on a roof to install a solar panel, check this serious bit of journalism from the Rick Mercer Report.
The Province of Ontario is two years along a brave new path that is expected to bring future prosperity and cleaner energy to Ontario communities. It has done this by encouraging the private sector to invest in local power projects and companies that make the thousands of components that are required to make windmills whir and solar panels purr. At the same time, the province has begun promoting energy conservation and making huge investments in our energy infrastructure — measures that will reduce energy consumption and save taxpayers money in the long run.
Sign up for our newsletter
While parties scramble to convince voters that their plans to power the province into the future is the best, we feel we should take a moment to first look at the past to gain some perspective and insight into how to move forward.
More than one hundred years ago, Ontario Premier James Whitney was in hot water over his proposal to tap the power of Niagara Falls by building a hydroelectric generating station. His opponents said it would likely bankrupt the province. Instead, this source of green renewable power has helped fuel Ontario's economic engine ever since. Ontario now gets over 20 per cent of its electricity from renewable hydroelectric generation, thanks in large part to the foresight of Whitney and our great grandparents.
Germany embarked on its green energy strategy more than ten years ago. Since then the country has become a clean technology powerhouse, creating more than 370,000 fulltime jobs and tripling their production of clean energy — now 17% of their total power supply. This is something we can do in Ontario. We can all benefit the same way—or even more so—if we continue down the path we've begun.
Ontario passed its own Green Energy Act in 2009. Modelled on the German laws, this legislation has kick-started Ontario's green energy sector by encouraging investment by hundreds of companies, farmers, community groups and residents throughout the province. In only two years it is has spurred the private sector to invest billions of dollars in dozens of new factories and power projects and has created thousands of direct and indirect jobs, with tens of thousands more expected in the coming years.
These newly created jobs include skilled trades workers manufacturing components for solar panels and turbines, contractors installing them, and the engineers and entrepreneurs that dream them up. Good-paying, full-time positions. We aren't talking temporary or part-time jobs in the service sector.
And for many youth, these are the jobs of the future. This is why more than three-dozen green technology programs have been created at Ontario colleges and universities. They will be retooling students and professionals to meet the demands of this emerging new sector of Ontario's economy—part of the global trillion-dollar clean technology sector that has blossomed worldwide.
While job creation numbers can often seem a bit suspect, especially around election time, the progress on the ground has been remarkable. Ontario is now home to some of the most exciting green energy projects on the planet, including the world's largest solar photovoltaic power plant in the world, in Sarnia. Countless farmers, community groups and entrepreneurial residents have also been getting some of the action with small installations that will provide them a second source of income for the next couple of decades. This will help support a sustainable economic and environmental future.
While this progress is impressive, candidates and parties intent on killing the program are now threatening the entire enterprise. They raise the spectre of rising energy prices without acknowledging that investments in green energy represent less than one per cent of the total price householders pay for energy.
This province has a history of leadership in manufacturing and growth. This is the sort of foresight that has made Ontario great. Treading into new territory undoubtedly will lead to a few potholes on the path. However, we believe Ontario is on the right track towards a green energy future that will wean us from dirty, old fuel sources and bring us closer to a brighter, cleaner, healthier future — and fuel Ontario's economic engine into the 21st century.
David Suzuki and Mike Holmes are two of Canada's most trusted and recognized personalities and were recently seen on a roof installing solar panels. For more information, please visit davidsuzuki.org and makeitright.ca.
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Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Mike Holmes Tattoo Watch 2012
A couple months ago, I think around February or March of this year, Mike Holmes had the two tattoos redone on his arms. On his right arm, he had a small cobra, and on his left, he had a bulldog, along with a more recent 2006 addition of "Make It Right."
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Both were souvenirs of his teenage years. Also, both were placed rather poorly and in desperate need of a little maintenance, two things which are very uncharacteristic for Mike Holmes. So, Mike decided to make it right, and have his tattoos covered up with some new artwork. What that artwork is, is as of now, a mystery, and will not be officially revealed until September. In fact, there was a contest for Holmes fans to guess Mike's mystery ink and win a prize. Well Mike, maybe you should be a liiiiitle more careful about your wardrobe choices, because there have been several peek-a-boo's on the internet as of late. Here's the latest, this one from a Canada.com article.
Not a full reveal, but Mike, did you mean to show so much skin, you f&#$ing tease?!!! This has definitely got my interested piqued. Cant wait to see the unveiling in September. Looks like Mike has doomed himself to a summer of long sleeves, good luck trying to keep them bad boy biceps under wraps.
6/5/12 UPDATE - Mike revealed his tattoos early. View the full story.
.jpg)
Both were souvenirs of his teenage years. Also, both were placed rather poorly and in desperate need of a little maintenance, two things which are very uncharacteristic for Mike Holmes. So, Mike decided to make it right, and have his tattoos covered up with some new artwork. What that artwork is, is as of now, a mystery, and will not be officially revealed until September. In fact, there was a contest for Holmes fans to guess Mike's mystery ink and win a prize. Well Mike, maybe you should be a liiiiitle more careful about your wardrobe choices, because there have been several peek-a-boo's on the internet as of late. Here's the latest, this one from a Canada.com article.
Not a full reveal, but Mike, did you mean to show so much skin, you f&#$ing tease?!!! This has definitely got my interested piqued. Cant wait to see the unveiling in September. Looks like Mike has doomed himself to a summer of long sleeves, good luck trying to keep them bad boy biceps under wraps.
6/5/12 UPDATE - Mike revealed his tattoos early. View the full story.
Sunday, May 27, 2012
MyFixItUpLife Talks To Mike Holmes
Mark and Theresa of MyFixItUpLife talk lead, asbestos, remodels, magic, and enduring the elements with Mike Holmes at the International Builders Show. My favorite part about this video (other than Mike of course) is watching all of the random people in the background whipping out their camers and cell phones to take pictures. Wherever that Holmes guy goes, he always seems to draw a crowd. Figure that. Or maybe it has something to do with the fact they're sitting directly behind the wine bar. And yes, Mike, you most certainly are a freak, in more ways than one. But that's why we love you.
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Extra, Extra! Mike Holmes Eats Lunch Out of Lunch Box
Sometimes even the most pointless things are the most interesting. Take this very blog for example... Ouch, insert ironically placed rimshot here! Anyways, in this somewhat random article from the Sudbury News, Mike Holmes receives a most unusual gift. It is a lunchbox, but not just any lunch box mind you, a locally made lunch box. And that makes all the difference in the world. I guess now Mike can be socially conscious every time he sits down to a ham and cheese on rye. Seriously? Oh well, when it comes to pointing out the pointless, I suppose have no room to talk, as I've already pointed out.
Sudbury miners have been able to sit on Leo May's metal lunchboxes for half a decade. A Dragon from CBC television show Dragon's Den recently sat on one. Now, TV personality and contractor Mike Holmes can sit on one too.
Holmes was presented with a super sized, locally-made lunch box Sunday, Oct. 18, at Rainbow Cinemas by Patricia Mills, publisher of Sudbury Living Magazine. Holmes was a making a presentation at the Sudbury Living Lifestyle and Home Show. The gift originated from local businesswoman Catherine Langin, owner of L. May Metal Fabricators.
“It's a super sized lunch box, 14 inches long by 5 and a half inches wide. I also had a similar sized lunch pail presented (at the show) as a door prize,” she said.
The metal lunch pails have been receiving a lot of attention lately.
Last week, Langin appeared on the CBC television show Dragons' Den, attempting to convince one of the venture capitalists on the show's business panel to invest in her company.
After a few back-and-forth negotiations on the show, Langin was able to convince one of the Dragons, investment banker Brett Wilson, to provide $75,000 in equity for 20 per cent of her company. She would also get a $75,000 line of operating credit from Wilson.
As the show that aired last Wednesday was taped earlier in the year, negotiations with Wilson are still on-going.
“I have been in contact with David Waslen, Brett's vice president of business development at one of his companies, Prairie Merchant Corporation. At this point it is (still) back and forth,” said Langin.
She is asking for the capital and loan to increase production “substantially” at her Moonlight Avenue area location.
“I want new equipment,” she said. It was reported on the show that in 2008 the company earned a net profit of $45,000, after producing 5,000 lunch pails. In the past, production has been higher when off-site buildings were utilized.
Langin cautioned that a deal negotiated on the CBC show is not airtight.
“This deal can change. It is not a 100 per cent done deal, as both parties do their due diligence.”
However, the television exposure has paid off for Langin.
“I just met an official from FedNor. He saw me on television (and) he said they have programs for developing industrial prototypes.”
Langin is developing a new lunch pail that involves an anodizing process where an electrical charge is applied to the metal so that various colours, patterns or even pictures can be embedded into the metal. Now she can offer pink lunch pails.
What did she think of the Dragons' Den experience?
“I felt I was treated kindly, as opposed to some of the others (entrepreneurs).”
Langin said she thought that using a photo of her late dad, from a 1963 Inco Triangle publication, helped her cause during her presentation.
L. May lunch boxes are sold in a variety of sizes at Soucie Salo, Superior Safety, City Surplus and Clark Phillips. To learn more about the Dragons' Den show, as well as view Langin's presentation, visit www.cbc.ca/dragonsden.
Mike Holmes gets Dragon-approved lunchbox
Mike Holmes poses with one of Catherine Langin's locally-made lunch boxes. Holmes was giving a talk to a packed house at Rainbow Cinemas as part of the Sudbury Living Lifestyle and Home Show on Oct. 18. The company is responsible for producing a million of the metal lunch boxes since her dad, Leo May an Inco miner (now deceased), began production over 50 years ago.
Oct 19, 2009- 3:46 PM
Holmes was presented with a super sized, locally-made lunch box Sunday, Oct. 18, at Rainbow Cinemas by Patricia Mills, publisher of Sudbury Living Magazine. Holmes was a making a presentation at the Sudbury Living Lifestyle and Home Show. The gift originated from local businesswoman Catherine Langin, owner of L. May Metal Fabricators.
“It's a super sized lunch box, 14 inches long by 5 and a half inches wide. I also had a similar sized lunch pail presented (at the show) as a door prize,” she said.
The metal lunch pails have been receiving a lot of attention lately.
Last week, Langin appeared on the CBC television show Dragons' Den, attempting to convince one of the venture capitalists on the show's business panel to invest in her company.
After a few back-and-forth negotiations on the show, Langin was able to convince one of the Dragons, investment banker Brett Wilson, to provide $75,000 in equity for 20 per cent of her company. She would also get a $75,000 line of operating credit from Wilson.
As the show that aired last Wednesday was taped earlier in the year, negotiations with Wilson are still on-going.
“I have been in contact with David Waslen, Brett's vice president of business development at one of his companies, Prairie Merchant Corporation. At this point it is (still) back and forth,” said Langin.
She is asking for the capital and loan to increase production “substantially” at her Moonlight Avenue area location.
“I want new equipment,” she said. It was reported on the show that in 2008 the company earned a net profit of $45,000, after producing 5,000 lunch pails. In the past, production has been higher when off-site buildings were utilized.
Langin cautioned that a deal negotiated on the CBC show is not airtight.
“This deal can change. It is not a 100 per cent done deal, as both parties do their due diligence.”
However, the television exposure has paid off for Langin.
“I just met an official from FedNor. He saw me on television (and) he said they have programs for developing industrial prototypes.”
Langin is developing a new lunch pail that involves an anodizing process where an electrical charge is applied to the metal so that various colours, patterns or even pictures can be embedded into the metal. Now she can offer pink lunch pails.
What did she think of the Dragons' Den experience?
“I felt I was treated kindly, as opposed to some of the others (entrepreneurs).”
Langin said she thought that using a photo of her late dad, from a 1963 Inco Triangle publication, helped her cause during her presentation.
L. May lunch boxes are sold in a variety of sizes at Soucie Salo, Superior Safety, City Surplus and Clark Phillips. To learn more about the Dragons' Den show, as well as view Langin's presentation, visit www.cbc.ca/dragonsden.
Friday, May 25, 2012
Mike Holmes and Scott McGillivray visit JJ and Melanie in the Morning
It might have been a chilly 7 degrees outside the Flow 93.5 studios in Toronto, but Mike Holmes and Scott McGillivary of Canada's Handyman Superstar Challenge and its American counterpart All American Handyman were heating things up. In this March 2011 radio chat, Mike discusses his proclivity to cut through other people's BS on his shows, stating "I know you cannot take the strips off a tiger, I am who I am." Mike Holmes definitely knows how to use a tool belt, AND looks good in one too. As far as who's the better handyman... sorry Scott. You know who our vote goes to.
Pictures:
Pictures:
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Mike Holmes on the Ultimate Tool, the Worst Fix-It Mistakes and the Power of Overalls
In this 2011 Q&A with Mike Holmes from AOLTelevision, most of the standard questions were covered... Were you born with a tool belt on? Why did you write your books? What's your worst reno? In typical Mike Holmes fashion, he gets candid about his work, including the work he did with Brad Pitt in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. He bemoans about the rain, the heat, the humidity, and the nasty little side effect from working all day in wet underwear. Ouch. (Just FYI Mike, it's not the overalls that bring the ladies in, it's the man who's wearing them. But more on that point later.) Food for thought. Great little video, definately worth the five minutes it takes to watch it.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Mike Holmes Original Painting and Overalls Up For Auction
As if Mike Holmes didn't receive enough strange requests for help, this year Mike was asked to submit a some original artwork for the Georgina Arts Centre's ArtXtreme celebrity art challenge. The painting, a "simple garden angel," will be auctioned off to support children's art programs. Because no one could possibly be interested in Mike Holmes painting anything but a piece of drywall, he also submitted a pair of his old used overalls, signed. Hopefully he washed them first. I'm of couse being cheeky, I'd love to see Mike's mad art skills in motion. And as far as a pair of his overalls... I'd rather not comment about what I might or might not do with those. Anyways, here's the article, from YorkRegion.com:
Four years ago, I met renowned wildlife artist Robert Bateman and asked him if he would paint a canvas for our Dinah Christie Celebrity Challenge.
He was kind enough to oblige in support of our children’s art programs.
Since then, he has continued to send signed prints every year, but this year I decided to ask for another original painting.
I knew my chances were slim because, as his staff explained, he has a long list of large commission works and very little time for extras.
“That’s okay,” I said, “Can you just sit my empty canvas beside his easel in case he gets the urge one day?” Two months later, the freshly painted canvas arrived.
Three years ago, I asked Canada’s most recognizable professional contractor and TV celebrity Mike Holmes if he would accept the Dinah Christie Challenge and, with extreme trepidation, he took a canvas.
After only a few calls back to me to check that he was “doing it right”, he had finished a lovely canvas of a simple garden angel. This March, Mike and his crew were at the MegaSpeed Custom Car & Truck Show at the International Trade Centre and our ArtXtreme Team had a booth around the corner.
Having already accepted this year’s art challenge, Mike told me that he never paints unless it’s on drywall and that there are only three pieces of his work out there – two of which were done for ArtXtreme.
He can’t figure out why anyone would want a piece of his artwork, so he’s also submitting a package along with the canvas that includes a pair of his famous overalls that he has worn for more than a year – and they’ll be autographed.
Bateman and Holmes in an art auction together – now that is ArtXtreme!
ArtXtreme is live country and soft rock music with 10 bands, ribfest and delectables, the Dinah Christie Celebrity Challenge auction, live artists exhibiting in the Artisans Walkway, KidzArt Zone full of children’s art activities, Eddie Shack and his sports art (signed NHL jerseys up for auction), radio, filmmaking, licensed patio, TV and last year’s newest art form addition ... the official summer MegaSpeed Custom Cars & Trucks Show.
As a registered charity, the Georgina Arts Centre is thrilled to bring our ArtXtreme event to the new ROC facilities this year and we hope you bring your families for a great day of fun and enjoyment of all of these art forms. There is literally something for everyone.
Oh, and just to supplement this article, I also looked up the Georgina Arts Centre for more information. Their ArtXtreme 2012 newsletter mentions Mike and the Holmes Foundation. Definately worth checking out. PDF Link.
Mike Holmes' signed overalls on block
Going up against original Robert Bateman piece
DINAH CHRISTIE. Dinah Christie holds up an original Robert Bateman commissioned for this year's ArtXtreme celebrity art challenge June 2 at the ROC.. Handyman celebrity Mike Holmes also painted a canvas, which will go with a pair of overalls he has worn for one year - signed! submitted photo
ARTXTREME WHEN: June 2 from 2 p.m. to midnight featuring licensed patio WHERE: The ROC chalet, $10 in advance/$15 at gate, features free bus shuttles from Keswick and Sutton. Call 905-722-9587 or e-mail www.gacag.com for more details.
He was kind enough to oblige in support of our children’s art programs.
Since then, he has continued to send signed prints every year, but this year I decided to ask for another original painting.
I knew my chances were slim because, as his staff explained, he has a long list of large commission works and very little time for extras.
“That’s okay,” I said, “Can you just sit my empty canvas beside his easel in case he gets the urge one day?” Two months later, the freshly painted canvas arrived.
Three years ago, I asked Canada’s most recognizable professional contractor and TV celebrity Mike Holmes if he would accept the Dinah Christie Challenge and, with extreme trepidation, he took a canvas.
After only a few calls back to me to check that he was “doing it right”, he had finished a lovely canvas of a simple garden angel. This March, Mike and his crew were at the MegaSpeed Custom Car & Truck Show at the International Trade Centre and our ArtXtreme Team had a booth around the corner.
Having already accepted this year’s art challenge, Mike told me that he never paints unless it’s on drywall and that there are only three pieces of his work out there – two of which were done for ArtXtreme.
He can’t figure out why anyone would want a piece of his artwork, so he’s also submitting a package along with the canvas that includes a pair of his famous overalls that he has worn for more than a year – and they’ll be autographed.
Bateman and Holmes in an art auction together – now that is ArtXtreme!
ArtXtreme is live country and soft rock music with 10 bands, ribfest and delectables, the Dinah Christie Celebrity Challenge auction, live artists exhibiting in the Artisans Walkway, KidzArt Zone full of children’s art activities, Eddie Shack and his sports art (signed NHL jerseys up for auction), radio, filmmaking, licensed patio, TV and last year’s newest art form addition ... the official summer MegaSpeed Custom Cars & Trucks Show.
As a registered charity, the Georgina Arts Centre is thrilled to bring our ArtXtreme event to the new ROC facilities this year and we hope you bring your families for a great day of fun and enjoyment of all of these art forms. There is literally something for everyone.
Oh, and just to supplement this article, I also looked up the Georgina Arts Centre for more information. Their ArtXtreme 2012 newsletter mentions Mike and the Holmes Foundation. Definately worth checking out. PDF Link.
Saturday, May 19, 2012
At Least Mike Holmes Has a Sense of Humor...
This is one of my favorite video clips of Mike Holmes. It's from a 2008 appearance on the Canadian current events show The Hour. In this clip, Mike supposedly gives some bad advice, and pays the ultimate price for his mistake. Dun dun dun...
At least Mike Holmes has a sense of humor. LOL.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Mike Holmes' Push For Solar Energy
This article, from the National Post (Canada), Mike Holmes discusses his ever-growing love for "green energy." He explains why he feels that green energy, solar in this instance, is the technology of the future given the rising cost of energy. Holmes is never without his critics, however. I found the user-submitted comments about the article almost as interesting as the article itself. Not being Canadian, I found it a bit hard to follow without Googling some names and terms, but I got the gist of the complaints. Still, good article. Anytime Mike has something to say, his passion for building the best always comes through.
The Rick Mercer Report
Mike Holmes helps to install solar panels on a residential roof.
The move for renewable energy and greener technologies has been really important to me for years now. Why? Because I’m building homes that are going to be around for years. So if I’m going to do it right, I have to think about the environment these buildings are going to be in today and tomorrow.
Let’s look at the facts: The cost of energy keeps rising. A lot of the resources we use for energy are on the verge of depletion. And the environmental fallout of modern living has reached a critical point. As a homeowner, what do you do? As a builder or contractor, how do you respond?
Many people might look at the current situation and say it’s hopeless, but I don’t. I deal with hopeless situations every day, and time and time again we push forward and make things right.
If we look at what’s going on in the economy and the environment, we’ll see there’s actually a huge opportunity here. For new infrastructures, new technologies, new skills and an economy that gets stronger the more we help our environment. There’s no conflict of interest here.
Another bonus is that green economy creates long-term jobs for different skill levels. This includes skilled tradespeople to manufacture all the parts for solar panels and turbines, contractors to install them and engineers to dream them up.
The good news is more and more governments and organizations are realizing this and they’re working together to build stronger communities for the future. For example, in Ontario we have the Feed-in Tariff program. This program lets homeowners and businesses feed the electric grid with renewable energy, such as solar, wind, hydro and/or biogas. This is great. The problem is the upfront investment exceeds most homeowners’ budgets. Solar panels and windmills aren’t cheap, folks — at least not yet. In the meantime, organizations are stepping up and doing what it takes to help make both ends meet. For example, PURE Energies and the David Suzuki Foundation are working together and it looks like they’re on the right path.
PURE Energies is a microfit company that facilitates solar leasing. They install, operate and maintain solar power systems on suitable residential homes, at no cost to the homeowner. They’ll also monitor a home’s HVAC system to make sure it runs as efficiently as possible, given the weather
and temperature. And even though PURE Energies owns the solar power system, they share the revenues from the energy produced with the homeowner. Everybody wins. Right now, PURE Energies will make a donation to the David Suzuki Foundation for every inquiry they receive from homeowners interested in a solar power system. And if an inquiry leads to the installation of a system, PURE Energies will make another donation. Why the David Suzuki Foundation? Because they’re helping lay down the groundwork, through science and education, for a shift to sustainable living.
The collaboration is a smart setup. It reinvests in energy conservation and renewable energy solutions. The benefits here are exponential: We’re using solar energy, we’re taking pressure off the grid, we’re putting money toward better green solutions, we’re putting money back into homeowners’ pockets and we’re moving away from combustible energy sources, like coal. Most people don’t know but a side affect of coal-fired power plants is mercury emissions.
There are real facts driving the green movement. It’s important people know what they are and the options they have. Education has always been key to what I do. I’d say it’s the most important part of everything I do. Why? Because building affects the people involved, but education affects everybody.
As a contractor and builder, I take my job seriously. And I don’t take this responsibility lightly.
No matter the project, I always try to go for green options and renewable energy solutions. I could be working on a house for the new series, a custom home, a hurricane resistant house in New Orleans, a children’s village in Haiti or a First Nations reserve. I always try to incorporate green solutions that make sense. Not just for short-term maintenance but also for long-term sustainability. And solar leasing is a good way to start weaning our homes off non-renewable energy.
Solar leasing is on the rise, especially in the U.S. due to their high-energy costs. Currently, Enmax Energy is making solar leasing possible in Alberta. But I want to see more provinces push for legislation that lets solar leasing be an option for all homeowners across Canada.
Mike Holmes: Sunny days with solar leasing
May 14, 2012 – 8:00 AM ET | Last Updated: May 14, 2012 9:04 AM ET
The Rick Mercer Report
Mike Holmes helps to install solar panels on a residential roof.
The move for renewable energy and greener technologies has been really important to me for years now. Why? Because I’m building homes that are going to be around for years. So if I’m going to do it right, I have to think about the environment these buildings are going to be in today and tomorrow.
Let’s look at the facts: The cost of energy keeps rising. A lot of the resources we use for energy are on the verge of depletion. And the environmental fallout of modern living has reached a critical point. As a homeowner, what do you do? As a builder or contractor, how do you respond?
Many people might look at the current situation and say it’s hopeless, but I don’t. I deal with hopeless situations every day, and time and time again we push forward and make things right.
If we look at what’s going on in the economy and the environment, we’ll see there’s actually a huge opportunity here. For new infrastructures, new technologies, new skills and an economy that gets stronger the more we help our environment. There’s no conflict of interest here.
Another bonus is that green economy creates long-term jobs for different skill levels. This includes skilled tradespeople to manufacture all the parts for solar panels and turbines, contractors to install them and engineers to dream them up.
The good news is more and more governments and organizations are realizing this and they’re working together to build stronger communities for the future. For example, in Ontario we have the Feed-in Tariff program. This program lets homeowners and businesses feed the electric grid with renewable energy, such as solar, wind, hydro and/or biogas. This is great. The problem is the upfront investment exceeds most homeowners’ budgets. Solar panels and windmills aren’t cheap, folks — at least not yet. In the meantime, organizations are stepping up and doing what it takes to help make both ends meet. For example, PURE Energies and the David Suzuki Foundation are working together and it looks like they’re on the right path.
PURE Energies is a microfit company that facilitates solar leasing. They install, operate and maintain solar power systems on suitable residential homes, at no cost to the homeowner. They’ll also monitor a home’s HVAC system to make sure it runs as efficiently as possible, given the weather
and temperature. And even though PURE Energies owns the solar power system, they share the revenues from the energy produced with the homeowner. Everybody wins. Right now, PURE Energies will make a donation to the David Suzuki Foundation for every inquiry they receive from homeowners interested in a solar power system. And if an inquiry leads to the installation of a system, PURE Energies will make another donation. Why the David Suzuki Foundation? Because they’re helping lay down the groundwork, through science and education, for a shift to sustainable living.
The collaboration is a smart setup. It reinvests in energy conservation and renewable energy solutions. The benefits here are exponential: We’re using solar energy, we’re taking pressure off the grid, we’re putting money toward better green solutions, we’re putting money back into homeowners’ pockets and we’re moving away from combustible energy sources, like coal. Most people don’t know but a side affect of coal-fired power plants is mercury emissions.
There are real facts driving the green movement. It’s important people know what they are and the options they have. Education has always been key to what I do. I’d say it’s the most important part of everything I do. Why? Because building affects the people involved, but education affects everybody.
As a contractor and builder, I take my job seriously. And I don’t take this responsibility lightly.
No matter the project, I always try to go for green options and renewable energy solutions. I could be working on a house for the new series, a custom home, a hurricane resistant house in New Orleans, a children’s village in Haiti or a First Nations reserve. I always try to incorporate green solutions that make sense. Not just for short-term maintenance but also for long-term sustainability. And solar leasing is a good way to start weaning our homes off non-renewable energy.
Solar leasing is on the rise, especially in the U.S. due to their high-energy costs. Currently, Enmax Energy is making solar leasing possible in Alberta. But I want to see more provinces push for legislation that lets solar leasing be an option for all homeowners across Canada.
Sunday, May 6, 2012
The Holmes Spot Banner
Pretty damn sexy if you ask me. (The banner, not Mike Holmes. Although I guess Mike Holmes is kind of sexy, in a sexy contractor kind of way. Oh who the hell am I kidding? Holmes is a sexy beast.)
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